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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-23 Parks & Recreation Commission Summary MinutesAPPROVED DRAFT 1 1 2 3 MINUTES 4 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 5 REGULAR MEETING 6 April 23, 2024 7 In-Person & Virtual Conference 8 Palo Alto, California 9 10 Commissioners Present: Vice Chair Nellis Freeman, Commissioners Anne Cribbs, Jeff 11 Greenfield, Shani Kleinhaus, Joy Oche 12 Commissioners Absent: Chair Amanda Brown, Commissioner Bing Wei 13 Others Present: 14 Staff Present: Kristen O’Kane, Sarah Robustelli, Javod Ghods 15 16 CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL 17 Vice Chair Freeman called the meeting to order. A roll call was taken with five present. 18 19 PUBLIC COMMENT 20 None. 21 22 AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS 23 Vice Chair Freeman wanted to move the e-bike access policy discussion to occur after 24 the park dedication informational update. 25 26 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 27 1. Approval of Draft Minutes from the March 26th, 2023, Parks and Recreation 28 Commission Regular Meeting 29 APPROVED DRAFT 2 1 Commissioner Cribbs made a motion to approve the March 26, 2024, minutes seconded 2 by Commissioner Oche. The motion passed by a 5-0 roll call vote. 3 4 CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 5 2. Department Report 6 Sarah Robustelli, Division Manager, gave a slide presentation providing updates on 7 recruitments, upcoming special events, the teen event, Open Space resources, project 8 updates and capital improvement projects. 9 Commissioner Oche asked if there would be a mobile replacement during the restroom 10 project. 11 Ms. Robustelli answered where new restrooms are being placed, they are not currently 12 destructing the restrooms already onsite. 13 Commissioner Greenfield added the new restrooms are adding convenience and facilities 14 with the exception of the Cubberley playing fields where there is a Porta Potty set up. 15 Commissioner Kleinhaus wanted to know if there was any update on the lighting at Bol 16 Park. She thought it would be good to turn the lights at the creek off at 10 or 11 pm. She 17 added it would be helpful to have the final environmental impact report for the golf 18 course project posted on their website if possible. 19 Ms. Robustelli remarked she visited the site and Staff is going to reach out at the next 20 Public Works and CSD meeting to discuss it. There is a capital improvement project that 21 calls out lighting; however, it is not an extensive project. There is new lighting code 22 consistent with dark skies in the works. 23 Commissioner Greenfield was curious about the history of the Nature Notes and Ask the 24 Ranger. He announced the Department Report is available as a link in the agenda. He 25 asked for explanation why the El Camino Park turf replacement needed to go to City 26 Council for bid approval. He asked if the playground was still open at Ramos Park and 27 asked about signage. He asked if there was information on a new trail at Foothills Nature 28 Preserve that goes from the Interpretive Center to the beginning of the Los Trancos Trail. 29 He wanted to hear the status of the Peers and Arastradero Maintenance Yard. 30 Ms. Robustelli answered they were done years ago but still very relevant today and 31 stated they are both available in both Interpretive Centers. The reason the El Camino 32 APPROVED DRAFT 3 Park turf replacement needed to go to City Council was due to the dollar amount. 1 Kristen O’Kane, Community Services Director, commented the playground at Ramos 2 Park would be closed when construction commences through project construction. She 3 would have to check to see if there is signage indicating this. She discussed why the 4 equipment was still present at the Peers and Arastradero Maintenance Yard. The project 5 is expected to be completed in FY25. 6 Michael Warner provided details about the new trail at Foothills Nature Preserve. He 7 explained why the project at Peers and Arastradero has taken so long. 8 Commissioner Kleinhaus wondered what process leads to establishing a trail in a place 9 that was never a trail before. She wanted to know if the trail could be removed. 10 Vice Chair Freeman asked Staff to research the question and agendize for the next staff 11 report. 12 Ms. O’Kane agreed to discuss it with Mr. Warner and Chair Brown when they do the 13 agenda. 14 Commissioner Greenfield suggested working with the Open Space liaison. 15 Vice Chair Freeman was curious as to how they were able to find volunteers for the 16 Mitchell Park cleanup. 17 Ms. Robustelli stated it was a work party for CSD Staff. 18 19 BUSINESS 20 3. Palo Alto Pickleball Club Informational Presentation – Ron Gentile – Discussion 21 – (30 min) 22 Ron Gentile provided a slide presentation describing his pickleball journey, information 23 about pickleball, innovations in ball and paddle technology, why it is incredibly popular, 24 the Palo Alto Pickleball Club, community advantages of PAPC, how PAPC serves and 25 connects all ages and abilities, bringing together different cultures and languages, 26 increases socioeconomic interactions, building social connections, infusing happiness, 27 providing engaging exercise, what PAPC is really providing and a summary of the 28 presentation. 29 Eileen spoke about how pickleball brings everyone together in the community. 30 APPROVED DRAFT 4 Monica expressed appreciation for the pickleball community. 1 Commissioner Oche wanted to double check on the ask on the last page. 2 Mr. Gentile explained this is a multistep process where the club wants to work together 3 to be able to take these programs out into the community and get the facilities to allow 4 them to do this at bigger scale over time. 5 Commissioner Greenfield was interested in Staff’s thoughts and ideas on potentially 6 leveraging the Palo Alto Pickleball Club’s resources further within the community. He 7 thought taking the model and extending to other types of activities was interesting. 8 Ms. Robustelli remarked that was something they could look into. 9 Ms. O’Kane thought it was worth exploring how they might be able to do more for 10 sports and recreation. 11 Commissioner Kleinhaus suggested the pickleball club could adopt Adobe Creek to help 12 keep it clear of trash. 13 Female advised that the pickleball club maintains the courts. They have found that the 14 City does not empty the large bins outside the pickleball courts. 15 Mr. Gentile thought it was a great suggestion. 16 Commissioner Greenfield remarked that the trash overflow discussion was one they have 17 had within the Field Users Ad-Hoc. He explained that there are large receptacles that 18 bags can be thrown in but nobody knows where they are. He thought they could follow 19 up with information on where the trash bags could go. 20 Vice Chair Freeman communicated ways the City could potentially partner with the 21 pickleball club. He asked if Community Services had input on the summer program. He 22 discussed possibly advertising to get more information out to the public about the 23 pickleball club. 24 Ms. O’Kane described community pickleball programs that exist. She thought a summer 25 program would be a good addition. 26 27 4. Park Dedication Informational Update – Park Dedication Ad Hoc – Discussion – 28 (45 min) 29 APPROVED DRAFT 5 Commissioner Greenfield provided a slide presentation giving a general update on park 1 dedication, Tower Well Park, an overview of Rinconada Gardens, San Antonio “Circles” 2 with a street view and Terman Park name change. 3 Ms. O’Kane added information on Tower Well Park and Rinconada Gardens. 4 Commissioner Kleinhaus queried if there is parking for the public on San Antonio 5 Avenue. She wanted to know what kind of amenities would be added. 6 Commissioner Greenfield did not believe there was parking on San Antonio Avenue. He 7 asked if Staff would consider that an obstacle. He described amenities that could 8 potentially be added. 9 Ms. O’Kane stated she would need to see it in person. 10 Commissioner Oche asked about the size of the park. 11 Commissioner Greenfield answered it was smallish. 12 Commissioner Cribbs compared it to the Sarah Wallis Park by California Avenue. She 13 asked if these were the only pieces of potential the ad-hoc looked at. She asked if 14 anybody looked for potential land that could be looked at and possibly obtained for a 15 land trust. 16 Commissioner Greenfield discussed other items that were included on the list and 17 offered to share the list. 18 Ms. O’Kane remarked one area they started conversations about is along San Antonio 19 because of future housing projects and the need for parkland. 20 Vice Chair Freeman questioned if there is a checklist used by the City to determine what 21 amenities would go into the park. He wanted to know the process for renaming parks. 22 Ms. O’Kane outlined factors involved in determining what amenities go into a park. 23 Ms. Robustelli described the City’s process for park renaming. She offered to forward 24 the policy to Vice Chair Freeman for review. 25 Commissioner Greenfield wanted to know if the commissioners were interested in 26 potentially pursuing to agendize further to pass the suggestion on to City Council 27 regarding park renaming. 28 Commissioner Kleinhaus thought if there was an interest in the ad-hoc to look into 29 renaming she was fine with it. She stated she would love to see Pearson-Arastradero 30 APPROVED DRAFT 6 renamed to only Pearson. She thought Byxbee should be named something more to do 1 with the Baylands. 2 Vice Chair Freeman supported going with a name similar to the area. 3 Commissioner Oche wanted the backstory before discussing changing the name. 4 5 5. Bicycle / E-Bike Access Policy Informational Update – Bicycle / E-Bike Access 6 Policy Ad Hoc – Discussion – (75 min) 7 Council Member Veenker provided clarification of what Council was asking of PRC. 8 Vice Chair Freeman discussed a slide presentation about the Bicycle/E-Bike Access 9 Policy, February 27, 2023 Council direction, PABAC comments, explanation of Motion 10 1 with observations, considerations and recommendations. 11 Commissioner Kleinhaus discussed a slide presentation about Motion 2 including 12 Pearson Arastradero Preserve observations, an Arastradero sensitive habitat map, Bowl 13 Loop Trail, Upper Arastradero Bowl and Lower Bowl/Quarry, seep and wetland 14 crossings impact water quality and habitat, infrastructure, Palo Alto Baylands Nature 15 Preserve science and observations, Baylands unauthorized social trails, Adobe Creek 16 Loop Trail, Baylands and Arastradero recommendations, discussion of Pearson-17 Arastradero Nature Preserve and discussion of Baylands Nature Preserve. 18 Vice Chair Freeman discussed slides outlining Motion 3 to include adding bike racks at 19 trailheads in the Baylands and Pearson-Arastradero, Pearson-Arastradero Preserve 20 recommendations, Baylands Preserve existing facilities, two locations where the ad-hoc 21 recommended adding bike racks, a map of existing bike rack locations and next steps. 22 Dashiell, Conservation Coordinator for the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, expressed 23 concern with electric bicycles on unpaved trails and that the proliferation of e-bikes 24 within Open Space preserves could potentially force other users off the trails and impact 25 wildlife. He highlighted resources for seniors and people with disabilities to ride the 26 gravel trails within the Baylands. He asked to the Commission to consider that these 27 accommodations and conditions are already in place to accommodate commuters and 28 people with disabilities. 29 Sheila shared that electric bikes were always going too fast through the preserve and 30 thought it was disturbing to the wildlife. 31 Commissioner Cribbs referenced a slide that discussed bikes/horses. She asked if this 32 included e-bikes. 33 APPROVED DRAFT 7 Commissioner Kleinhaus discussed the wording of Motion 2 and stated Council did not 1 identify what kind of bicycle. 2 Commissioner Oche iterated that one of City Council’s priorities for this year was 3 protecting and adapting a climate change and natural environment. 4 Commissioner Kleinhaus asked what conflicts that the rangers have seen especially 5 about the Baylands. 6 Lisa Myers, Baylands Ranger, described conflicts they have seen due to speed and 7 inattentiveness by bicyclists. 8 Vice Chair Freeman talked about what some other cities do regarding speed enforcement 9 and asked for information about the training involved. He asked if some of the 10 recommendations they were making would add to the rangers’ ability to manage those 11 things. 12 Ranger Myers stated she would need to look into what the length of time would be for 13 the training. She believed training would probably be through one of the local law 14 enforcement academies and turnaround time would be subject to their schedule. She 15 confirmed the recommendations would definitely add to the rangers’ ability in managing 16 those things. 17 Commissioner Cribbs asked how many people were needed for Open Space staff to be 18 effective. 19 Ranger Myers answered they currently have six full-time and two supervising rangers. A 20 better staffing model would include 12 park rangers, two senior rangers, two supervising 21 rangers and one chief ranger in addition to more seasonal staff. 22 Commissioner Greenfield wondered if some occasional enforcement of speed would be a 23 manageable first step with some effective consequences. 24 Commissioner Cribbs asked if there was any point in using a 3rd party naturalist to come 25 in occasionally. 26 Commissioner Kleinhaus discussed organizations that provide limited education and 27 discussed what more a naturalist would provide. 28 Ranger Myers talked about naturalists that have worked in the Baylands in the past and 29 where those positions have been moved. 30 Vice Chair Greenfield was interested in understanding where they go from here. 31 APPROVED DRAFT 8 Commissioner Kleinhaus was not sure an ad-hoc could do the level of detail that Council 1 is asking for. She thought it was consultant work. She thought they needed to work with 2 Staff and the rangers especially on what is implementable and how that comes into 3 budget in terms of trail use in general and some of the other issues of monitoring, 4 adaptive management and enforcement. 5 Ms. O’Kane agreed a regroup with the rangers and the ad-hoc to lay out next steps was a 6 good idea. She said they need to discuss what they would bring to Council if they go 7 back to them. 8 9 6. Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Updates – Vice Chair – Discussion – (15 min) 10 Commissioner Oche discussed an intergenerational event for teens that was recently held 11 and hoped to have more like it. 12 Commissioner Greenfield gave an update on Safe Routes. He met with Staff and high 13 school student who is working on a proposal for a Girl Scout Gold Award. She is 14 looking to create a traffic garden potentially at a park in Palo Alto. He talked about the 15 Quarry Road item that was presented to City Council the day prior and the 16 recommendations. He spoke about work being done on the synthetic field turf 17 replacement. 18 Commissioner Cribbs announced that the Aquatics Program is currently hiring 19 lifeguards. She discussed a racquet court policies committee being put together to look at 20 pickleball and tennis. 21 Commissioner Greenfield indicated the new ad-hocs need to start creating a workplan to 22 be presented and approved by the Commission to present to City Council at the 23 upcoming meeting. 24 Ms. O’Kane stated staff assignments still need to be done. She agreed with 25 Commissioner Greenfield that it made sense for the new ad-hocs to work on their topics 26 now to help define what is in the workplan. 27 28 29 COMMISSIONER/BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, 30 ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 31 32 Ms. O’Kane thought the May meeting would be focused on the workplan and they would 33 work with Chair Brown and Vice Chair Freeman on future agendas after that. 34 APPROVED DRAFT 9 Commissioner Kleinhaus asked if the new trail through the meadow could be scheduled 1 as an agenda item. 2 3 Ms. O’Kane agreed to confirm with Ranger Warner that he would be available to put that 4 on the May agenda. 5 6 7 ADJOURNMENT 8 9 Meeting adjourned at 10:35 P.M. 10